Do you remember the balmy summer of 2018, when the Antiques Roadshow came to visit our small part of Bedfordshire? We tried (and failed) to interest their experts in our vintage olfactometer. They weren’t fussed about the history of testing odour samples – to their eternal shame. However, their experts did get excited about Project Manager Victoria’s contribution. She then featured on the BBC1 show on Sunday 10th March 2019, alongside Hilary Kay.

Victoria is featured at 32 minutes, 34 seconds. Perhaps the eagle-eyed amongst you will also spot James and Joanna from time to time.

To begin with though, read on to find out about our day with the Antiques Roadshow experts.

JULY 2018

Today has been very eventful here at Silsoe Odours. Our odour lab is based in the grounds of English Heritage’s flagship site in Bedfordshire, Wrest Park. We often share our workspace with weddings, festivals and the odd film crew. We spotted around 5,000 members of the public in the distance today, all here to see meet Antiques Roadshow experts. So to join in the fun, we dug out our very own vintage Olfactometer – the device we use for testing odour samples. Victoria and Nalisha also brought along their own personal heirlooms. Here’s what happened.

QUEUEING AT THE ANTIQUES ROADSHOW

Newbie Queuebies – in denial at the wait ahead

We thought it would be a good idea to challenge the marvellous British summer. Cue the team standing in a queue for four hours in the early afternoon sun. Yes, there was sunburn (which we certainly do not recommend). But also an abundance of new aquaintances, great conversation, good humour and a general acceptance of popping in and out from time to time. In summary, a queue rivalled in British etiquette only by Wimbledon!

ODOUR TESTING EQUIPMENT DIDN’T MAKE THE GRADE

We are devastated to tell you that the charm of a vintage olfactometer is apparently confined only to the scientific community. It didn’t make the TV grade. In contrast, Victoria’s ‘Spinning Jenny’ was a different matter. The staff literally ran around in excitement in a quest to find the relevant expert.

WE’RE VIPs NOW

Quick pit-stop to take a photo of the odour lab from the action side. They’re still busy testing odour samples in there by the way!

James and Victoria posing between the crowds and the VIP area.

Identified as a future TV star, Victoria (with the rest of us in tow!) was directed to the pre-production waiting area. A cool room, tea and ginger biscuits. Perfect! And a make-up artist for our A-lister, of course.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

I’m sure you’ll agree the photos speak for themselves – we had a great day. As you’ll see on the show, Victoria is a natural on camera. Here she is in the centre of things with her new best pal Hilary Kay. A truly lovely lady!

Victoria’s antique is a 200-year-old bone carving. In fact, it’s a ‘Spinning Jenny’ toy, carved in Suffolk by a French prisoner of war during the Napoleonic war. We’ll let you find out what Hilary thought in due time when you watch the episode for yourself.

OLFACTOMETERS & TESTING ODOUR SAMPLES

The olfactometer in use today

The olfactometer is a specialist laboratory instrument that we use to test odour samples. Not surprisingly, we have a shiny modern one today (and a new one going in the week this airs, funnily enough). However, back in the day things were a bit different.

Our 1970s olfactometer, used for testing odour samples

Here’s our late 1970s version. It came from Germany and still has its original operating instructions and notes from 1985. According to our Director, Robert Sneath, it didn’t work. Perhaps that’s why the TV experts weren’t interested! 

IT DIDN’T STOP THERE

After an amazing day, we were ready to call it quits. However, there was still more to come. In all the excitement over her Spinning Jenny, Victoria’s other treasure was nearly forgotten! Time for one last hurrah at the Antiques Roadshow. So, can you picture the scene? Four odour specialists running through Wrest Park in pursuit of TV antique expert Hilary Kay. You really can’t make this up. We were searching for David Battie, who was taking shade in the centre of the action. Eventually, we find him, and he tells Victoria she’s got a stag antler page-turner from Japan.

So, definitely not your average Thursday at Silsoe Odours, but one we certainly won’t forget for a while.

TALK TO US ABOUT TESTING ODOUR SAMPLES

So finally, would you like to know more about our exploits at the Antiques Roadshow? Or perhaps you need help testing odour samples. Either way, our team are happy to chat whenever you’re ready. Call us on 01525 86022 or click the button below to reach us.

Updated 14th April 2021